Cryptocurrency Market Sector Profit Rates Forecasted by CoinGecko for the Year 2024
In the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, 2024 saw some intriguing trends that are expected to shape the landscape for 2025. Here's a look at the top performing crypto narratives predicted for the coming year, based on the performance of key trends in 2024.
The most profitable crypto narrative of 2024 was Artificial Intelligence (AI), with an average price gain of 2,940%. AI tokens surpassed meme coins, which had an average price gain of 2,185%, after a December rally. Interestingly, DePIN and L1 had returns that slightly outperformed Bitcoin, with average daily returns of 135%, 142%, and 125.5% respectively.
As we look forward to 2025, several narratives are expected to dominate the cryptocurrency space.
- Meme launchpads continue to be a major narrative, driven by the meme coin supercycle that started in 2024. Despite their speculative nature, meme coins with innovative use cases, such as integration with DeFi, play-to-earn, NFT marketplaces, or strong partnerships, are expected to maintain bullish momentum and deliver substantial gains.
- Bitcoin staking, including liquid staking and restaking, is a leading narrative as Bitcoin reclaims dominant market share and institutional interest grows. New infrastructure enabling Bitcoin to generate native yield, especially on chains like Solana and Sui, has seen rapid TVL growth and capital inflows in 2025, although smart contract risks remain.
- Real World Assets (RWA) and asset tokenization are gaining traction, bridging traditional finance with the on-chain economy, exemplified by projects like Maple Finance. This narrative continues to expand as tokenized private credit and asset-backed crypto grow.
- Crypto ETFs and stablecoins attract mainstream investor capital, aiding in broader adoption and improved liquidity in 2025.
- DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and BTCFi (Bitcoin Finance) have become top narratives according to AI-powered trackers, reflecting a trend toward decentralized infrastructure and Bitcoin yield generation.
- AI agent economies are emerging as a significant narrative reflecting the convergence of AI and blockchain, although this area is still evolving.
However, it's important to note that some community members have expressed doubts about the long-term popularity of AI agents.
These narratives combine hype-driven cycles with increasing fundamental use cases and institutional engagement, suggesting a multifaceted landscape where both speculative and utility-driven assets prosper. As always, it's essential for investors to do their own research and make informed decisions.
The study covers the period from January 1 or the first available price data to December 29, 2024. It's worth noting that L2 had negative average daily returns of -21%.
[1] Solana [2] Sui [3] Maple Finance [4] CoinGecko [5] AI-powered trackers
- The integration of artificial intelligence with decentralized finance (DeFi) is a trend expected to persist in 2025, as meme coins with innovative use cases continue to deliver substantial gains and maintain bullish momentum.
- Bitcoin finance, including liquid staking and restaking, is anticipated to be a dominating narrative in 2025, given the growth in institutional interest and the development of new infrastructure on chains like Solana and Sui that allow Bitcoin to generate native yield.
- Real world assets (RWA) and asset tokenization are gaining traction in the cryptocurrency space, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the on-chain economy, with projects like Maple Finance leading the way.
